“CHECK” Appears on the Electricity Meter? Here's How to Fix It

The word “CHECK” that appears on the electricity meter screen often makes homeowners feel worried and wonder about the cause and how to solve it. This warning message typically signals a potential issue with the electrical system that should not be ignored. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the common causes, solutions, and prevention tips to keep your home electrical system safe.

Common Causes of “CHECK” Writing on Electricity Meter

The “CHECK” writing can be caused by various electrical conditions that need to be identified and addressed immediately. Here are some of the most common causes that often occur:

1. Reverse Cable Installation

Incorrect wiring during kWh meter installation is the most common cause of the “CHECK” message. This usually happens when the phase (+) and neutral (-) wires are swapped during initial installation or during modifications. The system then detects an irregular current flow and triggers an automatic warning.

2. Open Meter Terminal Cap

Modern electric meters are equipped with safety features that display a warning if the terminal cover is open. This could happen during maintenance or due to tampering by unauthorized individuals. It is a preventive measure to protect the system from manipulation or damage.

3. Electric Current Leakage

Current leakage occurs when electricity deviates from its intended path, often due to damaged cable insulation or faulty components. Not only is this dangerous, but it also reduces energy efficiency. Sensitive meters will quickly display a warning message to prompt the user to investigate.

4. Inappropriate Grounding

Improper installation of grounding cables that do not meet standards can cause the meter to misinterpret the power distribution. This commonly happens in older installations or when handled by uncertified technicians.

5. Common Installation Problems

Loose cables, poor connections, damaged outlets, or faulty electrical devices can cause system instability. When the meter detects these issues, it automatically displays the "CHECK" message as an early warning, prompting a thorough inspection of the home's electrical system.

How to Fix the “CHECK” Message on Your Electricity Meter

Once you understand the potential causes, here are the steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Report the Issue to PLN through the PLN Mobile Application

The first step you need to do is make an official report through the PLN Mobile application. Here are the steps:

• Open your PLN Mobile app.
• Select the “Complaints” menu.
• From the list of common complaints, choose “My kWh meter shows CHECK”.
• Before proceeding, ensure the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) on both the kWh meter and inside the house is ON. If the kWh MCB is ON but the internal MCB is OFF, submit your report via the LISTRIQU menu, as the issue lies within your home installation.
• Complete the required data and upload a photo of the meter.
• Confirm the location and submit the report.

2. Enter the Clear Tamper Code

After your report is verified, you will receive a 20-digit Clear Tamper Code. This code removes the "CHECK" message caused by minor disturbances.

Steps to use the code:

• Turn off the electric meter.
• Enter the Clear Tamper Code provided.
• Turn the meter back on.

If successful, the "CHECK" message will disappear and the meter will return to normal operation.

3. Use Additional Reset Codes (If Needed)

Some meter models also allow the use of additional codes such as:

• 00 then press Enter → for ITRON meters.
• 800 then press Accept → for HEXING meters.

However, success varies depending on the cause of the issue. For a list of codes for other meter brands, refer to the provided source here.

4. Wait for Official Handling

If the problem cannot be resolved through reset codes, it likely involves technical damage requiring in-person inspection. In this case, a PLN technician will visit your location to check and perform necessary repairs..

Tips to Prevent “CHECK” Message from Appearing

Taking precautions, Wilson Cables emphasizes the importance of using national standard electrical components-especially cables for electrical installations. Low-quality cables increase the risk of current leakage or short circuits, which can trigger meter warnings.

Suitable for household or building electrical systems, we recommend using NYM or NYY cables from Wilson Cables. Our products are SNI and ISO 9001:2015 certified, made with 99.9% pure copper for stable current flow, and use high heat-resistant materials to ensure maximum protection from electrical faults.

Using high-quality cables and relying on professional installation, the risk of triggering the “CHECK” message is significantly minimized.